In the air vs On the air

Both "in the air" and "on the air" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "In the air" is used to refer to something that is physically located in the air, like a bird flying. On the other hand, "on the air" is used to describe something that is being broadcasted, like a radio or TV program.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 1845 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something that is physically located in the air.

"In the air"

Use "in the air" when referring to something that is physically located in the air, like a bird flying or a plane.

Examples:

The birds were soaring in the air.
The kite got stuck in the air.
The airplane was flying high in the air.
The clouds were floating in the air.
The helicopter hovered in the air.

Show examples from the web [+]

In the air, in our blood.
Something shuddering in the air these days.
In the air, they're terrific.
In the air, I am in charge.
And with similar success Robert Houdini performed his hypnotic dream in the air.
There were a lot of airplanes in the air.
Panic in the air, streets on the brink.
Watanabe makes his move and lifts his opponent in the air.
Action has been taken, change is in the air.
They worry there might be something... contagious in the air.
Change is in the air, Jenna.
Jake's truck goes flyin' in the air.
The puppet who made you jump in the air.
There was a briskness in the air.
And then she wrote in the air.
Her scent lingers in the air.
Today, animals with backbones dominate our planet on land, in the air and at sea.
Cumberly, get a blanket and toss it in the air.
Just throw our hats in the air.
Four shots in the air, the fifth a success.

Alternatives:

up in the air
high in the air
floating in the air

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something that is being broadcasted, like a radio or TV program.

"On the air"

Use "on the air" when referring to something that is being broadcasted, like a radio or TV program.

Examples:

The radio show is on the air right now.
The TV station will be on the air in five minutes.
The podcast goes on the air every Monday.
The live broadcast will be on the air shortly.
The news program is on the air at 6 p.m.

Show examples from the web [+]

On the Air (1992) is an American sitcom created by Mark Frost and David Lynch, and broadcast by ABC. In the United States only three episodes were aired, ...
7 episodes · On the Air Poster. In the 1950s, a group of television performers attempt to put together a live variety program and often find disastrous results.
Nov 27, 2014 ... On The Air - Episode 1 (1992)- Crated by Mark Frost and David Lynch ... Badalamenti's love theme for On the Air is also quoted in Twin Peaks: ...
Sep 9, 2014 ... That's why taking the time to look at David Lynch and Mark Frost's On the Air, almost the polar opposite of Twin Peaks in terms of popularity, ...

Alternatives:

broadcasting
live on the air
on the radio

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In the air vs On the air

"In the air"

"On the air"

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